Chemical Signs

OSHA requires all employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplace to communicate these hazards to employees by means of labeling, safety data sheets and training to handle these chemicals appropriately.

The scope of workplaces in which chemical exposures occur is very broad. While most of us can associate working in a chemical manufacturing plant as being a job that involves chemical exposure, there are many other types of facilities where chemical usage is also common. For example, construction workers may be exposed to paints, asphalt fumes, or crystalline silica. Hair stylists are exposed to chemical dyes and other products that contain hazardous chemicals. All of these types of exposures are of concern in terms of protecting workers, and ensuring that chemicals are used safely.

What are chemical hazards and toxic substances?

OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as any chemical or toxic substance which can pose a wide range of health hazards (such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity) and physical hazards (for example, flammability, corrosion and reactivity properties)).

How to determine if a chemical is Hazardous?

Any chemical that is classified as a physical hazard, a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified is considered a hazardous chemical.

Health hazard means a chemical that is classified as posing one of the following hazardous effects: acute toxicity (any route of exposure); skin corrosion or irritation; serious eye damage or eye irritation; respiratory or skin sensitization; germ cell mutagenicity; carcinogenicity; reproductive toxicity; specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure); or aspiration hazard. The criteria for determining whether a chemical is classified as a health hazard are detailed in Appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.1200 – Health Hazard Criteria.

Physical hazard means a chemical that is classified as posing one of the following hazardous effects: explosive; flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids); oxidizer (liquid, solid or gas); self-reactive; pyrophoric (liquid or solid); self-heating; organic peroxide; corrosive to metal; gas under pressure; or in contact with water emits flammable gas. The criteria for determining whether a chemical is classified as a physical hazard are detailed in Appendix B to 29 CFR 1910.1200 – Physical Hazard Criteria.

The signs above represent our interpretation of material information in combination with NFPA 30 and NFPA’s Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. Without knowledge of your specific chemical, facility, or hazard, it’s impossible for us to guarantee these signs will match your situation. It is your responsibility to decide which signs are valid for your use and to comply with applicable laws and standards. This site is not intended as a substitute for expert analysis or professional consultation. We make no guarantee of the accuracy of the information on this site and assume no liability of injury or damage as a result of using our products.